Abstract: A method of drying thermosensitive materials includes spraying such materials onto inert bodies circulating about a closed space in a flow of a heat-transfer agent at an increased temperature. In the upper part of the flow of the heat-transfer agent, occupying not more than 1/3 of its cross section, the heat transfer agent is rotated at an axial velocity 2 to 3 times higher than the velocity of the heat transfer agent in the rest of the flow. An apparatus for carrying out this method has a cylindrical chamber with a tapered bottom accommodating axially of the chamber a blind tube with a base defining with the walls of the bottom an annular passage for introducing a heat transfer agent thereto. The chamber has a mesh and a propeller mixer secured thereunder on a shaft arranged at an angle of 60.degree.-90.degree. to the axis of the chamber at a distance from this axis which is less than R, where R is the radius of the chamber.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a cooled mould mounted on a bottom plate, a roof mounted on the mould, non-consumable electrodes connected to a power source and introduced into the melting chamber of the mould through sealed apertures in the roof, and a liquid metal pouring system incorporating a metal conduit with a funnel mounted in an aperture in the roof and an inclined chute positioned above the metal conduit funnel. The roof is provided with a gas exhaust pipe and with input funnels for feeding slag and alloying admixtures. The junction between the roof and the mould is sealed. The non-consumable electrodes are arranged around the circumference of the melting chamber for vertical movement, whereas the inclined chute is adapted to move in the horizontal plane.The enclosed melting chamber makes it possible to reduce heat losses and to maintain a controlled atmosphere within the mould.